Mehrangarh
fort is about 5km from Jodhpur Town. Guarding the city below, crowning a
perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he
shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing sentinel to the city below, it
over looks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace intricately
adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought
from red sandstone.
The apartments within, have their own
magic -the Moti mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh
Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana with a rich varied
collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradles, miniature paintings of
various schools, folk music, instruments, costumes, furniture and an
impressive armoury. The display of cannons on the ramparts near Chamunda
temple is among the rarest in India. As you climb up, folk musicians
revive the grandeur of a bygone era.
